Career Information

A nuclear medicine technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the preparation and administration of radioactive materials for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. Working as part of a multidisciplinary medical team, they collaborate closely with nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, medical physicists, and other healthcare providers.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Imaging Procedures: Perform nuclear medicine scans using specialized equipment such as gamma cameras and PET scanners to capture images of organ function and structure.
• Radiopharmaceutical Preparation and Administration: Prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients, ensuring proper dosage and safety protocols are followed.
• Patient Care: Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures, providing clear instructions and ensuring comfort and safety throughout the process.
• Equipment Operation and Quality Control: Operate and maintain imaging equipment, perform quality control checks, and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory guidelines.
• Data Analysis and Documentation: Analyze imaging results, assist physicians in interpreting data, and maintain accurate patient records.

Nuclear medicine technologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. They typically work in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and specialized clinics. With additional education and experience, technologists may advance into roles such as PET/CT specialists, educators, researchers, or administrative and leadership positions.

Program Information

The Nuclear Medicine Technology professional program covers theory and techniques in nuclear medicine technology through didactic and clinical coursework. Prospective students typically apply to this two-year program during their sophomore year and begin in fall of their junior year.

Up to nine students are accepted into this 2-year professional program each year.  Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification exams in Nuclear Medicine Technology through both the ARRT and NMTCB. Students will have also completed didactic coursework for the national certification exam in CT.

Admission & Degree Requirements